I have the Evolve and I don't use the coverstitch that often, but it is pretty easy to switch--it isn't too much more time than changing out the thread or switching from a 4 stitch overlock stitch to a rolled hem. I love the Evolve--it's a great machine.

I have the BL Evolution and cannot say enough great things about it! I use the coverstitch all the time and have even used it to make textured pillows (using texture magic as an underlay and silk dupioni for the top). Switching out is easy after you do it a couple of times...............the time you save threading and the ease of sewing any fabric plus not having to mess around with tensions puts this machine over the top (IMO)! It is wonderful!

I've had an evolve' for about 11 years, I use the cover stitch on it often. It's not a pain to switch back and forth from it to 3 three or 4 thread overlock for me at all. I've not actually timed myself doing that ever, but it probably takes maybe 2 to 3 minutes I would guess, maybe less if you were trying to do it fast for some reason. So it would be a bit quicker to do that there, than on a combination serger/coverlock machine that had no jet air threading, and flip locks for that that on the looper instead. You only use one looper for coverstitch though anyways.

But it involves taking your needle or needles out of the rear "overlocker" bank of stitches, and sticking them in the front "coverlock" bank of stitches instead. So you do use a little Allen wrench to do that. That takes a few moments. When I do that, if I was 4 thread overlocking before, I'm not even looking for or picking up any different needles at all, I just use the same ones that were in the rear bank,right prior, just since I almost always just use Schmetz EL X705 needles for just about everything and those are good to go for me, on all other overlocking and also the right thing for the coverstitch in there too.

So, if I were to make lets say a T shirt dress, with coverstitching on turned under hems on neck, sleeves and dress hem, I would start out 4 thread overlock for shoulder seams, then same for sleeves into arm holes put in flat, then side seams, then switch out to coverstitch, and do neck, sleeve and dress hem in the round coverstitching. That is doing the coverstitch in the round, just because I think it looks better that way. So one switch out from one to the other in the middle of garment construction that way for me on just that.

I think you will love it. I have had my Evolve for about 4 years and use it constantly. The quality of the BL machines is unparalleled IMHO. It is not difficult to change over to coverstitching mode. I did, though, end up purchasing a separate BL coverstitch just a couple of months ago. If you use the binding attachments often, you have to switch back and forth from coverstitch to overlock pretty often. I got tired of doing it:). If you never or seldom use that style of binding, though, you wont have any problems. Hemming is often done last, in the round, or flat before construction as in the case of teeny tiny wrist and ankle openings on toddler shirts and leggings!

One more thing....as much as I love my Evolve, I have died and gone into sewing heaven with the BL coverstitch. The coverstitch is a better quality with better movement over the seams on the stand alone machine. So, I am essentially in the two machine camp. Sounds like one will work well for you, though!

I posted details of chaging over on my BL Evolution review. Its the same process. The Evolve is a prior model. They changed the light and looper threading action on the Evolution.
It takes me about 3 minutes to follow the directions, change needles and re-thread. I save surface space, electrical outlets, spools if thread and if course the cost of a stand alone CS.

But if you use your serger and CS machine in tandem with your sewing machine very often you may be happier with a stand alone CS.

I,too,have the evolution and L...O...V...E it!!! I bought it 4 months ago and haven't looked back. I went from bernina/janome (the same machines you had) to the evolution and am so happy I did. I do a ton of coverstitching and it is a breeze to change over for CS. No fiddeling with extra spools of thread, and the the threading is such a breeze! If this is the rout you go I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

I'm looking at getting a Babylock Evolution or Enlighten, too. What I want to know is if the Gold Standard package is worth the price. Have any of you Babylock owners purchased this? Seems expensive. I can purchase a floor model Evolution for 2899 with the Gold Standard or a brand new one for 2999 without the Gold Standard. The floor model Enlighten is 2099 with or new for 2199 without. Worth it?

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